Imagine a world where disease could be eradicated by an injection of tiny robots the size of molecules. That is the hope offered by nanotechnology - the science of microscopically small machines. But others fear nanotechnology could lead to a non-biological cancer - where swarms of tiny nanobots come together and literally devour human flesh.Sounds like science fiction? It certainly did until a brilliant young scientist called Hendrik Schön seemed to bring it a step closer.
Horizon explores the debate surrounding nanotechnology, the science of microscopic machines, which has polarised international opinion. The programme analyses the breakthrough made by Hendrik Schon, creator of the world s first organic transistor. His efforts appeared to take the scientific community one step closer to being able to grow tiny computers as living cells, but the outcome of his work had greater repercussions than anyone could have predicted.
Scientists speculated about how these tiny machines could be used to target diseases with astonishing precision. Others wondered - could the military use them as a new weapon? Others, including Prince Charles, were terrified. If these machines can grow by themselves, how do we stop them from growing?
What happened next would destroy reputations and shatter lives - because there was more to Hendrik Schön s discovery than anyone knew.